System software

System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.[1][2]

The most basic types of system software are:

In some publications, the term system software is also used to designate software development tools (like a compiler, linker or debugger).[3]

In contrast to system software, software that allows users to do things like create text documents, play games, listen to music, or surf the web is called application software.[4]

References

  1. ^ http://depts.alverno.edu/cil/mod1/software/system.html
  2. ^ http://searchsoa.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid26_gci213024,00.html
  3. ^ http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/systems_software.html
  4. ^ W. W. Milner, Ann Montgomery-Smith (2000). Information and Communication Technology for Intermediate Gnvq. p.126